Cheese & Wine Pairings

August 12, 2016

The Dolls are typically dairy-free but allow time for the occasional ice cream, pizza and probably one our favorites indulgences… cheese! We partnered with Cheeses of Europe to uncover the best cheese & wine pairings. Follow this simple how-to to host your next cocktail party or dinner party and ultimately #MakeItMagnifique!

Caitlin and Danielle arrived to the DL Loft in Lakeview, a lovely neighborhood located north of downtown Chicago. The DL Loft is a dream spot if you’re looking for an events venue. C and D have driven by this spot many times and never knew of the light and airy space that exists above the shops on Lincoln Ave. We adore the combination of white washed home-accessories, grand mirrors and crystal chandeliers everywhere. It exudes shabby-chic, the perfect French country décor for this exquisite event.

Image courtesy of our friend and lifestyle expert, Debi Lilly.

Image courtesy of our friend and lifestyle expert, Debi Lilly.

As Caitlin and Danielle walked into the loft, they were greeted by the lovely smile of Charles Duque. He is the Managing Director of the French Dairy Board. Charles does what he loves and you can tell from the passion he uses while bringing awareness to European Cheeses across the United States. Mr. Duque educated us on the following cheeses accompanied with a thoughtfully selected wine to pair with each tasting. Each cheese was chosen from the wonderful artisan bread and wine and shop, Pastoral . The wine was hand-selected by spirits specialist, Carol Donovan of Intoxicatingly Fun Cocktails. We were especially fond of the rosé!

SOFT:Camembert: The English Channel’s, the salty breeze helps to flavor the cheese. Made from hand-landled cow’s milk.
Wine Pairing: Chateau ValcombBrie: Produced in a cheese-making region East of Paris. Crowned King of Cheese at the Vienna Congress in 1815. Creamy, sweet cheese with a rich aroma and mellow flavor.
Wine Pairing: Kremstal – Stadt Krems

SEMI-SOFT:Raclette: From the French “Racler” meaning “to scrape.” Traditionally Raclette is heated and craped onto a plate. A silky smooth texture with a full, nutty flavorEmmental: A popular cheese made in several regions of France. A favorite for cooking, Emmental is a hard cheese with a sweet aroma and smooth, milky taste.
Wine Pairing: Sainte Victoire – Cotes de Provence (The OG rosé! ** DOLL FAV)

HARD:Comte: For more than eight centuries, the milk used to make Comte has been produced by 2.7K family farms practicing traditional methodsMimolette: **(DOLLS FAV) Introduced by Louis XIV in the 17th Century. Turned by hand once per week to ensure full flavor. Orange color created by adding natural annatto.
Wine Pairing: Santorini – Assyrtiko

BLEU:Bleu d’ Auvergne: Less salty with taste that’s creamer and more buttery than a traditional blue cheese. Named after its place of origin, the Auvergne region of South Central France, created quite recently in the 1850’s.
Wine Pairing: Antico Fuoco – Rosso

Doll Discoveries:

Remove cheese from the refrigerator one hour before serving.

Arrange cheese on your display from mild to strong.

Some cheeses like the Mimolette have living mites that help create the cheese.

A strong cheese like Bleu is complemented with a touch of something sweet such as honey or figs.

Côtes de Provence Sainte–Victoire is the GodFather of rosé (yes way!)

France has some of the BEST cheeses in the World.

Needless to say, the Dolls had a bit of a cheese hangover the next day, but it was well worth it! If you’re interested in finding out more about European Cheese, where you can get some and creative recipes check out their website: CheesesofEurope.com

What a beautiful loft! I’m mostly dairy-free as well, but it’s hard being a food and wine blogger when there is always the most amazing cheese at wine events and served at tastings 🙂 And I agree: France makes some incredible cheese!